GWA Caroma Project
Client: Caroma
Location: Prestons NSW
Caroma is an Australian designer and distributor of bathroom products established in 1941. Richard Crookes Constructions was hired to build Caroma a new, purpose-built warehouse to store a large range of products. Following a competitive tender bid, they engaged APC for the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a custom-built storage solution.
Briefing
Caroma is known for its commitment to conserving water and as a result, introduced the world’s first two-button, dual-flush ceramic toilet and created the award-winning ultra-low flush, smartflush and Caroma Cleanflush systems. Caroma required a new warehouse to store a large assortment of bathroom products. Richard Crookes Constructions was hired to build the facility and they, in turn, put out a competitive tender bid for the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a custom-built storage solution. APC submitted two tender responses: a compliant response which met the requirements stipulated by Caroma and an alternate tender which optimised the height of the building and provided additional space for future automation opportunities. APC won the tender for our design and engineering capabilities, our ability to provide the client with what they wanted and for using our experience to future proof the warehouse with space for additional pallet positions. The builder and Caroma both opted to use a combination of the compliant and alternate designs.
Challenge
The project had to be completed within a short time frame and around the builder’s schedule. Installation had to coincide with the slab layout. We were required to wait 56 days for each slab to dry which meant we could not start installation at one end and build our way through, rather we completed sections accordingly.
Solution
Our Selective Pallet Racking system is capable of holding 20,253 pallets. The design of the racking allows for an extension in height should Caroma need additional storage space in the future. As part of the project, we also installed a complete rack labelling system to improve picking and packing accuracy. Additionally, we worked with Caroma to develop a packaging line consisting of a heat tunnel, conveyor system and cubic scanner.
Result
APC worked closely with Richard Crookes Constructions and Caroma to deliver a custom-built storage system. Our project management capabilities and ability to effectively communicate with our client meant the project was completed on time. We listened to the needs of Caroma, identifying limitations as well as future opportunities and as a result catered a solution to enhance its warehouse operations.